Fluid distribution system



Oct. 1 7, 1944. Q G, GRISWOLD 2,360,321

FLUID DI STRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed Aug. 18, 1939 4 sheets-sheet 1 01.17,1944. G. Gmswom 2,360,321

FLUID DIIS'IRIBUTION` SYSTEM Filed Aug. 1s, c1939 4 sheets-sheet 2 35 V- lf i 323 111 Y z 2/ 26. 5 1 35 32]! ff? 4740 4Z: :44 4 1 ana/Jfnlswold Oct. 17, 1944. I D. G. GlswoLD I 2,360,321

FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed Aug. 18. 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 17, 1944. D. G. G'RlswLD 2,350,321,

FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed Aug. 18, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 l muuuy/1%. l

Patented Oct. 1,17, 1944 l FLUm DIsTamU'noNsYs'rEM Donald G. Griswold,r Alhambra, Calif., assigner to lClayton Manufacturing Company, Alhambra,

Calif.

Application August 18, 1939, Serial No. 4290,912

(ci. icl-7) 35 Claims.

The present invention relates to a fluid distribution system of general utility,` but which at the same time is especially adapted for sprinkling or watering lawns, irrigating orchards, etc.

More particularly, the invention relates to a fluid distribution system having a main supply pipe feeding a plurality of service pipes, and a` master control device for controlling the flow through said service pipes and-which control device may be located at a convenient point remote from the discharge of said servicepipes. The system further includes a separatediaphragm valve in each service pipe line for controlling the ow therethrough. The master control device is arranged to control all of said valves simultaneously and in such manner that the valves open automatically one at a time in predetermined succession; each valve remaining open for a desired time interval.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a pressure-controlled diaphragm valve is connected in each of the service lines and the opening and closing of the diaphragm valves is controlled by a master control unit including a timing mechani'sm and a master pilot valve actuated by said timing mechanism foradmitting pressure iluid to Aand exhausting pressure fluid from said dlaphragm valves.

One of the important features of the invention is the provision of a control unit having but a single control knob adapted to be manually rotated one or more turns,'the control unit being arranged so that flow will occurl through each of the service pipes of the system when the con'- trol knob is given substantially one complete revolution; the flow through each service pipe continuing for a predetermined time interval and being repeated through the, various service pipes, once for each additional turn given to the control knob. For example, if the control knob is the spring.- The arrangement is such that the control knob is operatively connected with and rotated counter-clockwise along with the driven shaft until it is restored to its initial position. Novel gearing may be associated with the driven shaft to limit the maximum number of turns which can be imparted thereto by the control knob. If desired, a stop pin may be used in lieu of the-gearingin' instances where a non-repeat-l,

ing system will suiiice.

The driven shaft of theclock mechanism is connected to drive a shaft controlling a master pilot valve disc. The pilot disc is positioned in a chamber containing fluid under pressure and is arranged and ported to permit opening of one diaphragm valve of the system to exhaust pressure uid therefrom while maintaining-pressure upon the remaining valves to maintain the same closed. The operation of the system is entirely automatic following the. initial manual actuation of the control knob. Thus, the control unit automatically opens and closes the' several diaphragm valvesv of the system to permit timed flow through .rotated manually through substantially three complete revolutions, the flow through each service pipe will be repeated three times at predetermined intervals.

f A system including ve diaphragm valves has been shown to illustrate the broad principles of the invention. These valves will be referred to hereinafter as valves I, 2, .3, t and 5. Obviously,

a lesser or greater number of valves may be einA v ployed in practicing'the invention.

The master control unit comprises a conventional clock. mechanism `including amain spring, which is wound by manually rotating the control knob in a clockwise direction, and a driven shaft which is actuated by the clock mechanism in a counter-clockvrise4 direction upon unwinding vof valves and their associated pipe lines .as many times as desired.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a diaphragm valve which can be adjusted to vary the volume of flow, or to remain closed, independently of the master control unit, in order to vary or prevent flow througha given service pipe of the distribution system, as desired.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a iiuid supply or distribution system and aeontrol therefor which will produce successive iiow through each service line and maintain such-flow through each line for a predetermined period of time. A

Another objectA of theinvention is to provide a .uid supply or distribution system controlled so that the flow through the various service pipes thereof may be repeated a given number of times in order todeliver uid at any points desired, at

timed intervals.

- A more specic but important object of the invention is to provide a fiuiddistribution system for sprinkling lawns, etc. which will provide for substantially uniform watering and which obviates the local soaking" or "starving inherent in the manual sprinkling with a'hose.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sprinkler system having automatically timed :iiow through the various service pipes and sprinkler heads thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a sprinkler or watering system in which the flow through a given pipe line thereof may be repeated automatically at predetermined time intervals.

A still further object of the invention is to provide control means for fluid distribution systems which can be set, in the case of a sprinkler system, to repeat the ilow or watering operation a desired number of times to meet climatic conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spring-wound timing mechanism having acontrol knob and a driven shaft with means including novel gearing for limiting the number of turns through which said knob may be manually rotated to wind said spring.

A further object of the invention is to provide a control unit having a pilot-controlled master valve with a valve disc that can berotated by relatively small actuating force.

A still further object of the invention is to provide, in a. master control device, a pilot valve disc constructed so Vthat a minimum valve seating surface is exposed to `the action of corrosion, whereby the pilot disc will remain easily operable by a small force even after installed for a considerable period of time.

A still further object of the invention is to prov vide a pilot controlled master valve arranged so that the pilot will be operable or rotatable by a substantially constant force, irrespective of the pressure of the liquid controlled by said valve.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a control for a pilot operated master valve in the form of a manually windable clock mechanism arranged so that, upon rotation of the control knob for winding said clock mechanism, the master pilot valve disc will be rotated a number of turns corresponding to that given to said control knob and will be automatically returned upon release of the knob through a corresponding number of turns to its initial position.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel diaphragm valve with means which can be adjusted to vary the volume of flow through said valve or to completely cut on iiow therethrough, as desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a semi-automatic fluid distribution system which is relatively simple in construction, comparatively inexpensive. easy to install and operate, and which requires a minimum of care and attention upon the part o! the user.

Other and further objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description.' taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

' Figure 1 is a view diagrammatically illustrating an embodiment of the invention in the form oi a sprinkler system; y

j,Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view oi' the master control unit for the system together with 'I its associated tubes and piping; 4

Figure 2a illustrates certain modifications in line 3 3 oi Figure 2, showing the control knob Figure 3 is a sectional plan view taken on the of the main control unit and its cooperating indicatcrplate; v

Figure '4 Vis a sectional view ytaken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing in particular the porting or the seat for the pilot valve disc:

Figure 5 is-a sectional view .taken onthe line 'Il linen-231111181111522..

showing a modined form of control in w V1i) ascesa:

'8-5 of Figure 2, showing the porting of the gasket that is interposed between the control housing and thebottom closure plate or head therefor:

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line -B of Figure 2. showing the arrangement of ports in, and the tubing connected with, said closure plate;

e 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the strainer plug of the control unit shown in Figure 2: l

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pilot valve disc and the driving member therefor;

Figure 9 is an enlarged `sectional view through one form of novel gearing for limiting the number of turns which may be given to the control knob, a portion of the clock casing also being shown in section;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line Iii-I0 of Figure 9, showing a suitable gearing arrangement for permitting substantially three complete turns of the control knob, the gearing being illustrated in the ofi'" position of the control knob;

Figure 1l is a view similar to Figure l0 but showing the gearing after the control knob has been given substantially three complete turns to an on position;

Figure 12 shows a modified form of gearing perlrlitil'sing substantially one turn of the control Figure 13 illustratesl a gearing arrangement permitting two turns of the control knob;

Figure 14 shows gearing similar to that of Figures 10 and 11 but with one of the gears rearranged to permit substantially four turns of the control knob;

Figure 15 illustrates a form of gearing similar to that shown in Figure 13 but with one of the gears rearranged tov-permit substantially ilve turns of control knob;

Figure 16 shows gearing similar to Figure '12 but'with one of the gears rearranged to permit substantially six turns of the control knob;

Figure 17 is a schematic view illustrating the relative position of the control knob and the ports and grooves inthe pilot valve disc and seat, respectively, when the distribution system is in itsl inoperative or ofi position;

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 but showing the relationship of the same parts after the control knob has been given substantially one or more complete turns in aclockwise direction and has returned in a counterclockwise direction to .a position such that only diaphragm valve i is open;

Figure i9 is another similar view but snowing the relative positions of the parts while valve I is still open and the pilot valve disc is being rotated to eilec't opening of valve 2 and the closing of valve I;

Figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional view through one of the diaphragm valves of the "present System;

Figure 21 is a Dian Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a view of the upper portion of a control unit such as illustrated in Figure 2 but the gearing for limiting the turns of the'contro'l knob has been eliminated and a pin is employed to limit the turning of the control knob to substantially one revolution; and

Figure 23 is a sectional plan view taken on the view of the valve shown in pipes may be employed and that such service pipes may be straight or curved, or branched in any desirable manner, in order to position suitable sprinkler heads 3 in anyldesired advantageous re'- lationship. The distributionof fluid through the service pipes 1 is controlled by a master control unit C which regulates the opening and closing of diaphragm valves I, 2, 3, l and 5, respectively, one such valve connected in each of said' service pipes.

Pressure fluid for actuating the respective diaphragm valves is supplied to the master control unit C through a tube or conduit P connecting said unit with the main supply pipe Ii. Communication between the master control unit C and the diaphragm valves I, 2, 3, 4 and 6 is established bytubing la, 2a, 3a, la and 5a, respectively, connecting said control unit with said diaphragm valves. Each of said tubes is arranged to conduct operating pressure fluid to its associateddiaphragm valve to maintain the same closed, and to exhaust pressure uid therefrom to-permit the same to open, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. Any spent pressure fluid returned from the diaphragm valves to the master control unit through said tubes is drained from said master control unit through a tube D, as will also be fully set out hereinafter. A bleeder tube B is also connected with the master control unit C for draining any pressure fluid which may escape from the pilot valve chamber of said control unit, as will be described hereinafter. Y 'I'he details of the master control unit C are best shown in Figures 2and 3. It will be clear from these figures that said unit comprises a main housing I3 and a hinged cap II pivotally mounted at one side thereof upon a pin I2 supported by ears I3 projectinglaterally from said housing. The opposite side of the cap II is pro.

moisture cannot enter the casing of said clock I mechanism and so that the mechanism within said casing may run in oil. In order to prevent the entrance of water into or the escape of oil from the clock casing, a somewhat flat-headed screw 21 is threaded into the bushing 25 to close lthe opening therein.

Aoontro1 knob su is mounted upon one end 'al of a shaft 32 which extends into the casing of the clock mechanism I1. 4 The shaft 32 is provided with a shoulder 33 against which a washer 34,

' arranged inthe lower side of the control knob 30,

vided with a tongue I4 which extends downrecelvedin a recess I3 at the upper end of the mainv housing Ill and is disposed between a horizontal shoulder I3 at the base of said recess and a cover plate 20 closing the upper end of saidA recess. A gasket 2 I is interposed between the cover plate 20 and a horizontal flange 22 projecting from the main housing'. A series of screws 23 retain the cover plate 20, gasket 2l and the clock mechanism I1 in assembled relation with the housing I3.

The cover plate 20 is provided with an axially oiset aperture 24 into which a hollow interiorly threaded bushing 25 is pressed. The bushing 2i is arranged to extend into a recess 23 formed in the upper wall ofthe casing of the clock mecha.`

is seated. 'I'he upper extremity of the shaft end 3I is threaded to receive a nut 35 for securing the control knob 30 in a desired adjusted position with respect to the shaft 32. Water is prevented from entering the recess I8 along the shaft 32 by a felt packing washer 36 and a stufiing box member 31.

The cover plate 20, as shown in`Figure 3, is provided with suitable indicia for indicating, in cooperation with the control knob 30, whether the lluid distribution system is completely shut oil, or Whether ow is occurring through a given distribution diaphragm valve and its associated service pipe. Thus, the cover plate 20 is in 'scribed with a. zero to indicate that4 there is no yiiow or, in other words, that the system is turned oil. Suitably'graduated and shaded areas 38 are provided on the face of the cover plate for indieating, in| cooperation with the control knob, whether iiow is occurring through valves I, 2, 3, I or 5 associated with the lines 1..

The clock mechanism I1 is preferably of the 'spring type, whereby manual rotation of the control knob 30 will wind the main spring of said clock mechanism. One of the features of the invention is that the control unit .provides for successive flow through all of the service pipes of the system when the control knob 30 is turned through substantially one complete revolution and that the flow is repeated for each turn of the control knob in excess of one. It may be desirable to limit the numberof turns which may be given to the control knob and means to, accomplish the same is shown herein in the form of suitable gearing associated with the driven shaft of theclock mechanism.

For illustrative purposes, a gearing arrangement has been shown in Figures 2, 9, 10 and l1 which is adapted to limit the maximum number of turns of the control knob 30 to three. However, it will be understood that said gearing may f be rearranged to provide for a maximum of fourA 'turns Aas in- Figure 14, or, other suitable gearing may be substituted Vto obtain any desired number ofv maximum turns. It will also be understood that upon release of the control knob 30, the main spring (not shown) in the clock mechanism will cause said control knob to slowly return to its nismil, whereby to prevent relative rotation of A I YVsaid clock mechanism with respect to the cover plate and housing. The clock mechanism is preferably made'oiland water-tight'so that The shaft :2, which is rotated by the control knob 30 to wind the clock mechanism and is in turn driven by said clock mechanism, has a drive member 40 pressed or otherwise secured to its lower end 4I, as best shown in Figure 9. A gear various service pipe 42 is xedly secured to a hub portion 43 of said drive member 48. A plurality of pins 44 are carried by said drive member for driving the shaft of a master pilot valve disc as will be explained hereinafter. 'I'he gear 42 meshes with a gear 43 rotatably mounted upon the shank portion 45 of a screw 46. One end portion 41 of said shank is reduced and threaded into an opening Ila formed in the lower wall i1b of the casing of the clock mechanism I1.

The gears 42 and 43 are shown in detail in Figures 10 and 11. It will be observed that the gear 42 contains five symmetrically arranged teeth 48 and a sixth tooth 49 which is of greater radial length than the teeth 48. It will also be observed that the gear 43 has seven teeth 58 symmetrically arranged about its axis of rotation with deep spaces 5| between certain of the teeth and shallow spaces 52 and 52a between certain other of said teeth. The base of said shallow spaces is preferably flat, as shown at 53.

The spacing of the axes of rotation of the gears 42 and 43, and the length of the teeth 48, and the depth of the spaces 5I, 52 and 52a vis such that the teeth 48 may be received in any of said spaces without preventing relative rotation of said two gears. However, the length of tooth 49 and the depth of the spaces 5|. 52 and 52a is such that said spaces 5I can readily receive said tooth without locking the gears 42 and 43 against rotation, but the shallow spaces 52 and 52a are such that when the tooth 49 lodges therein, the flat portion 53 of said shallow spaces engages the extremity of said tooth and positively locks the gears against rotation in one direction. The relativearrangementof the gears shown in Figure is such that the shaft 32 may be manually rotated through the control knob to turn the gear 42 through substantially three complete turns, or until the tooth 49 of gear 42 becomes lodged in the shallow recess 52a of the gear 48, as shown in Figure 11. The release of the control knob 38 will then permit the spring of the clock mechanism to rotate the shaft 32 and gear 42 in a counter-clockwise direction through the same number of turns previously imparted thereto by' manual rotation of the control knob.

The gearing arrangement shown in Figures 10 and 11 limits the maximum number of turns which may be given to the control knob to three,

the control knob 30 after having given it only a fraction of a turn, or one or two turns.

, It will be evident from Figure 14 that the maximum number of turns which may be given to'the v but it is obvious that the operator may release control knob 30 may be increased to four simply by changing the initial position of the gear 43 relative to the gear 42. In other words, initially arranging the gears so that the at portion of the shallow recess 52a engages the tooth 49 instead of the shallow recess 52.

Figure 12 shows a modified form of the gear 48 in which shallow recesses 52h and 52e are, arranged vadjacent each other. When the toothv 48 is engaged in the shallow space 52h, a maximum. of one complete turn may be given to the shaft 32 by the control knob 30. This maximum number of turns, may be increased merely by changing the relative initial position of the gears to the position shown in Figure 16, in which the tooth 48 is shown engaged in the shallow space 52e. Such arrangement will permit the gear 42 to be rotated substantially through six complete revolutions before the tooth 49 will engage Seat.

with the flat portion of the shallow space lib.

Figure 13 illustrates a further modification of the gear 43 in which shallow spaces 52d and 82e are spaced apart by one relatively deep space 5Ia. With the gears arranged as shown, the control knob may be rotated through a maximum of about two turns before the tooth 48 willenc' gage in the shallow space 82e.

Figure 15 illustrates a. rearrangement of the gears shown in Figure 13 in which the tooth 49 is originally positioned in the recess 52e. Such arrangement permits the control knob Il to rotate the gear 42 through approximately iive complete turns before the tooth 48 will become lodged in the shallow space 52d.

The pins 44, carried by the drive member 48 extend into recesses 58 formed in a drive washer 68 mounted upon one end of a shaft 8|. The opposite end of the shaft 8l is rounded as shown at 82 and is providedgwith a driving element 4l. A pilot valve disc 88 is arranged in substantially axial alignment with the shaft 8l and is' provided, as' best shown in Figure 8, with a pair of blind apertures 81 adapted t'o receive short pins 68 carried by the driving element 85 and a `through aperture 88 adapted to receive a relatively long pin 18. This arrangement has the advantage that it permits the assembly .of the parts in only one way. The apertures 81 and 69 are preferably of greater diameter than the pins 88 and 18 to permit slight relative movement of the disc on said pins. Thus, with the rounded end 62 of the shaft 6I engaging the pilot valve disc 86, provisionfis made for allowing the disc to pivot slightly upon said rounded end to accommodate itself on its associated valve The foregoing pivotal arrangement provides a more or less flexible connection between the pilot valve disc and its driving member whereby any .rigid connection between the two which would prevent flush seating of the valve is eliminated.

It will be clear from the foregoing that, as the drive shaft 82 of the clock mechanism rotates the driving member 40, rotation will be imparted to the pilot valve disc 68 through the driven washer 80, shaft 6l, and the driving element 88.

'I'he shaft 6I, as shown in Figure 2', is packed in the housing i8 by suitable packings 1I and' ing the recess I8. The packing 12 likewise sur-- rounds the shaft 8| and is compressed between packingv washers 18 and 16 by a gland member 11 threaded into the housing I0.

A compression spring 18 surrounds the shaft 8| and one end thereof engages the gland 11. 'I'he opposite end of said spring engages a seating washer 19 mounted on the shaft ll.. The washer 19 is arranged to abut the driving element 88, and, inasmuch as the spring'18 is a compression spring, it `tends to urge said driving element toward the pilot valve disc 48. The spring 18 thus urges the rounded end 42 of the shaft 8| against-the valve disc I8 to hold the same against its seat at all times, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Referring again to Figure 8, the master pilot pair of supply ports 92 and 93 extend transversely through the body of the disc and are connected on the side 9| by a pressure fluid supply groove generally indicated by the numeral 89. Ihe master pilot valve disc 99 is also pro' vided with'a U-shapedexhaust passageway generally indicated at481. One leg 89 of said passageway is arranged axially of the pilot valve disc and opens into the side 8| thereof. The other leg 89 of said passageway is spaced radially from the axial leg 83 and also opens onto the side 8| of the pilot valve disc. It will be observed that the supply groove 89 is concentric with the axial opening 99 of the exhaust passage 81 and that it lies identically the same radial distance from saidaxial openingas the pressure ports 82 and 83 and the leg 89 of said exhaust passageway. The ports 82 and 83 are threaded into the third opening. |33 of said T- fitting and is adapted to protect the various tubes extending from the control unit to the various diaphragm valves which will be more fully de scribed hereinafter.

Pressure fluid may be introduced into the control unit C through a pressure tube P. One end of such pressure tube may be connected with the main water supply pipe 9, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 1. The opposite end of said tube is received in an opening |39 in the head |01 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. The opening |38 communicates with an L-shaped passageway |39. The gasket |99 is provided with an opening |31 registering with the passage |39, and the housing I0 is provided with a registering passageway |39; the pressure tube P, passage spaced approximately 120 apart andtheleg 89 of the exhaust passageway lies substantially midway therebetween. 'I'his spacing, however, is not critical and may be varied if desired.

The side 8| of the pilot valve disc 99 is adapted to seat against a flat surface 99 of a pilot valve seat 99 (see Figure 2). The valve seat 99 is recelved in a recess 91 formed in the lower vend of the housing I0. The valve seat 99 is secured to the housing I0 by a plurality of screws 98 and is provided with an axial port 99 adapted to register with the axial opening 99 in the pilot valve disc 99. The valve seat 99 is also provided with ve transverse openings |9|, |92, |93, |04

and |05, respectively, which are spaced the saine distance from the axis of the valve seat 99 as the pressure supply groove 99 and the exhaust port 89 e A gasket |09 (see Figures 2 and 5) overlies the lower face of the valve seat 99 and the adjacent end surface of the housing I9. A head or closure plate |01 is positioned immediately below the gasket |09, and a series of screws 99 extend through suitable apertures in the housing |0 and |39, opening |31, and passage |39 all being in communication, whereby fluid under pressure may enter a pressure chamber |39 formed in the housing |0. A strainer plug generally indicated by the numeral |40 is threaded into the chamber |39 as indicated at |4|. A gasket |42 is positioned below the head of the plug to form a water-tight seal'for the chamber |39.

The strainer plug V|49 is shown in detail in Figure 'l and comprises a hollow stem |43 having a series of spaced apart radial flanges |44, |45 and V|49 with transverse openings |41` between said gasket |09 into threaded recesses in the head |91 and clamp .the gasket between said housing and head in fluid-tight relation.

'I'he gasket |99 is provided with an axial opening |09 aligned with the opening 99 in the valve seat 95 and the port 99 in the valve disc 99. 'I'he gasket |99 is 4also provided with transverse openings ||2, |.|3 ||4 and H9, which respectively register with the openings |9|, |92, |93, |94 and |99 in the valve seat 99. Thus, it will be clear that the aligned openings in the valve seat 99 and the gasket |99 permit the flw of pressure or exhaust 4uid throughv both of these members simultaneously.

4The head |91 is provided with an axial passageway ||9 aligned with the passageway |99 in the gasket |99. Said head is further provided with a series of ve apertures I2I, |22, |23, |24, |29 which are aligned with the aforedescribed into the ground to form a rigid support for theA tluid'distribution controlunit C. A pipe |32. is

` series of aperturesln the gasket |99 and the valve ilanges communicating with 'a central opening |49 in said stem. A cylindrical screen |49 sur-- rounds the flanges |44, |49 and |49 and serves to screen the openings |41. The screen |49-is held in place on the plug |39 by suitable wire bands |99.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that is to permit any waterv contained in, or nowing into the chamber |39 to nush foreign matter out :of said chamber during the removal of the plug rather than carry it intothe opening |9I. The opening |9| of the housing |9 communicates with a pressure chamber 99a in which the pilot valve disc 99 is received. This chamber is constantly nlled with fluid under pressure for actuation of the various diaphragm valves .I to 9, inclusive, which control the distribution of water by the system. The packing 12 is provided to prevent the escape of auch pressure fluid from the chamber 99a. 'Howeven if any leakage past said packing does occur, the same may enter a transverse passageway |99 formed in the housing I9, one end of said passagewayI being in communication with 'a space |99a surrounding the shaft 9| and located midway between the packings'll and 12. The oppote end of said passageway |99 is closed by a screw |99. A vertical passageway |91 extends upwardly from the lower end of the housing I9 angl communicates with the passageway |99. The gasket |09 'is provided with an aligned passageway |99, andthe head |91 is provided with a further communicating passageway |99. Thus, any leakage occurring past the packing 12 maybe drained from the housing I9 through the passageways outlet passage |82.

valve body |80 is provided with. an annular sur- |55 and |51 in the housing, passage |58 in the gasket and the passage |58 in head 01. Any liquid in the passage |59 is free to enter a drain tube B and thus iiow from the control unit. It will be understood. of course. that the packing 1| prevents the entrance of tluid into the chamber I8 containing the clock mechanism I1.

Pressure fluid is distributed from the pressure chamber 88a of the control unit C to the respective diaphragm valves I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 through tubes la, 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a as has already been generally indicated. The pressure of the uid in said chamber is normally suiiicient to maintain the pilot disc 88 in engagement with its seat 98. However, in the event that the supply of pressure uid to said chamber is cut off, the spring 18 will maintain the disc seated and prevent any dirt from getting between said disc and its seat.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 6, it will be seen that the vtubing Ia communicates with the passage |2| in the end plate |01 and that the tubes 2a, 3a, 8a and 5a communicate with openings |22, |23, |24 and |25, respectively, in said head |01.

One of the diaphragm valves controlled by the master control device is illustrated in detail in Figures 20 and 2l. For convenience, valve I of the system has been selected for description. It will be understood that valves 2, 3, 8 and 5 are of similar construction.

The diaphragm valve I comprises a valve body |80 provided with an inlet passage |8| and an 'I'he upper portion of the face |83 adapted to support a circular diaphragm |84. A cap |85 is provided with an an-` nular surface I 88 adapted to engage the upper peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm |813. The cap |85 and the diaphragm |88 are secured to the valve body |68 by a series of screws |8l1.

The inlet passage |8| is separated from the outlet passage |82 by a generally vertical partition wall |68. The upper portion of the inlet passageway is deined by a wall |89 having a passage |10 extending therethrough. An annular tapered valve seat I1I surrounds the passage |18 and a central opening |12 is formed in said body above saidvalve seat.

One side of the flexible diaphragm |86 forms a closure f or the-central opening |12 and the opposite side of said diaphragm cooperates with the vcap |65 to form a side wall of a pressure chamber |18 formed in said cap. A bolt |751 extends through an opening |15 in the diaphragm |88 and has an enlarged flat head |18 in engagement with the upper side of the diaphragm. A cup-shaped member |11 is received in the opening |12 and is also apertured to permit passage of the shank of said bolt therethrough. A renewable disc |18 is nested in said cup-shaped member and is adapted to form a seal with the annular valve seat |1|. A nut |19 threaded on the bolt |18 secures the diaphragm |86, cup |11 and disc |18 in assembled relation. The nut |18 has a curved side portion |80 which cooperates with the opening |10 to provide for gradual and quiet cutting oil of yflow through the'valve.

The pressure chamber |13 in the cap member |85 is supplied with pressure uid through a port I 8| and the tube Ia which communicates with thehead |01 hereinbefore described. The tube irs is connected to the cap |88 by a suitable litting igt. It will be observed that the port |35 opens into the highest portion of pressure chamber |13. This arrangement is important because it prevents trapping of air in said chamber and thereby eliminates chattering of the and other noises.

A boss |83 extends centrally upwardly from the cap |85. This boss is internally threaded for the reception of an adjusting stem |84 having a threaded portion |85. The boss |88 is also provided with external threads |88 for cooperation with a gland member |81 adapted to compress suitable packing I 88 about the stem |88 to prevent leakage of pressure iluid from the pressure chamber |13.

The stem |84 may be adjusted to limit the extent of opening of the valve and the tiov: therethrough by limiting the upward movement of the iiat head |18 and the associated diaphragm |84. In the event that it is desired to maintain a particular valve closed, the stan |84 may be adjusted to preclude opening of the valve altogether.

The diaphragm valve I is illustrated in closed position in Figure 20. .Howeven it will be apparent that upon release or exhaust oi.' the pressure fluid from the chamber |13, the of the uid in the inlet opening I8| will be sufficient Vto raise the renewable disc |18 from the valve seat |1| and permit a ow of iiuid through the opening |10 and into the Outlet opening |82 and thence into the service pipe 1.

In the usev of the present system, the control knob 30 and its associated pilot valve disc 88 may normally be in the oi position, as shown in Figure 3 and diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 17. When the control knob is in its oiI position, it is yieldably held against rotation by the engagement of gear tooth 48 in the space 52, as shown in Figure 10, this engagement being maintained by the spring of the clock mechanism I1. When the control knob is in said position, the valve disc 88 is positioned so that the U-shaped passageway 81 is in non-registering relation with the ports |0|, |02, |83, |08 andj |08. In other words, the Valves i. 2, 3, 4 and 5 at this time will all be subjected to ud pressure and, therefore, will be closed.

The general operation of the system is as follows: Y

In order to initiate ow through the system, the user may give the control knob 30 one or more turns in a clockwise direction, depending lupon the number of times that it is desired to have the sprinkling operation repeated. Figure 17 diagrammatically illustrates the relative position of the passages, groove and ports in the pilot valve disc 88 and its seat 98 when the system is inactive. It will be noted from this figure that the pressure groove 88 is positioned to` overlie all of the passageways I0| to |05, inclusive, of the valve seat and that, therefore, pressure is applied to the diaphragm valves 2, .3, 4 and 5 to maintain the same in closed position.

Figure 18 shows the passages, groove and ports of Figure 17 in the relative positions that they assume after the clock mechanism has started to drive the pilot disc 88 and to return the control knob 30 in a counter-clockwise direction toward its original position. As shown in this figure, the pressure groove 88 overlies only the passagewaysjlllt, |03, |08 and |85 in the valve seat 98 and, therefore, pressure uid from the pressure chamber 88a in the housing I8 will pass through the supply ports 82 and 83 to said pressure groove, through said sag-:arrays said valvefseat, throughthe passageways H2,

H3, H4 and ||5 in the gasket |00, through the passages |22, |23, |20 and |25 in the head |01 and thence through the tubes 2a, 3a, la and 5a to the pressure chambers of the respective diaphragm val'ves 2, 3, 4 and 5 to maintain the same closed. On the other hand, the exhaust groove 81 of the pilot valve ,disc 66 will have the leg 89 thereof in communication with the passage in the valve seat 96 and consequently relieve the fluid pressure acting on the diaphragm |64 of valve and permit this valve to open by exhausting pressure iluid from the pressure chamber I 13 oflsaid valve, port IBI. tube la, passage |2| in the head |01, passage in the gasket |06, passage |0| in the valve seat 96, through the exhaust passage 01 into the passage 99 of said valve seat, passage |09 of said gasket, passage ||9 of said head and iinally into the' drainv tube D. The valve will remain open and the valves 2, 3, 4 and 5 will remain closed until the pilot valve disc 66 has been rotated to such position that the pressure vgroove 86 is brought into registration with the passage |0| in the valve seat 96. Figure 19 illustrates thepilot valve disc 66 in a position such that the pressure groove 06 has not yet reached the passage |0| 'and the construction over that shown in Figure 2 is that the spring 10a is not required to move the shaft SIb downwardly to seat the valve. Fluid under pressure urges the member 19h against the shoul' to limit turning of a control knob 30a through exhaust passage 81 has not yet been brought f into registration with the passage |02 vin the valve seat 96. Although the pressure groove 80 is not at this time in registration with the port |02, the pressure acting on diaphragm valve 2 is not relieved and, therefore, this .valve is' closed and will remain closed until the exhaust passage 81 registers with the passage |02, whereupon said valvewill be permitted to open. At the same time that the exhaust passage 01 rege isters with the passage |02, the pressure groove i 0B will be brought into registration with the passage |0I- and diaphragm valve l will be gradually closed while valve 2 is being opened to effect sprinkling of the area controlled thereby.

The opening and closing of the remaining valves 1 occurs successively in a similar manner.

' As has beenstated hereinbefore, the gearing Aarrangement shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 will permit rotation of the control knob through a maximum of substantially three complete revolutions. When the control knob is so turned, the cycle will be repeated three times. Inasmuch as the control knob Il is returned by the clock mechanism as it actuates the pilot valve disc 65 from one position to another. said knob will indicate through the indicia Il Yen plate 20 the particular diaphragm valve which is open and hence the particular area. which is being sprinkled. The flow through a given diaphragm valve may be varied or completely cut oftby adjusting the stem |04, aspreviously explained.

Figure 2a illustrates a variation in the construction of the control unit in which the spring 1l is dispensed with and a spring 18a is positioned so that it directly engages and acts upon a pilot disc 55h.

In the variation shown, a driving element 05a is provided with an annular groove 85o adapted to receive one end of the compression spring 10a. The opposite en d o f said spring presses directly upon the upper face of the pilot disc lib. A cir- 'cular member '19h similar to the seating washer 19 is loosely mounted upon the shaft Olb and engages a iixed abutment or shoulder 19e formed A the principal advantages of 'the aforedescribed substantially one one complete revolution. As is shown in Figure 22, a driving member 40a is directly connected to the driven shaft of the clock mechanism |1a and pins 44a are provided to impart rotation to a driven element a for driving a shaft 6 la to which a pilot disc corresponding to that hereinabove described may be connected.

The modied construction shown in Figures 22 and 23 is relatively simple and may be installed in situations where but a single watering operation is desired. It will be apparent, however, that if a second watering operation is desired, the user need only give the control knob another turn to start the cycle all over again. l While a spring wound clock mechanism has been described as useful in connection with the I master control device, it will be understood that other timing mechanism electrically controlled, as

by a motor for example, may be employed in lieu tion has been illustrated in embodiments showing their preferred construction, variations therefrom maybe developed without'departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. l

What I.claim is:

1. A. sprinkler system comprising, a inain supply pipe; a pluralit` of service pipelines connected with said supply pipe; at' least one sprinkler head connected in each of said service lines; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said service .lines between-said main supply pipe and sprinkler head; a master control unit for controlling the opening and closing of said valves; ,conduit means connecting each of said valves with said master control unit; a conduit connecting said supply pipe with said master control unit; rotatable ported means in said master control unit for controlling the flow of operating fluid through said conduit means; meansV for manually turning said rotatable ported means in onedirection; means 'for limiting the number of turns that may be manually given to said rotatable ported means;V and meansfor returning.

said rotatable ported means toitsinitial position. 2. A fluid distribution system comprising, a

v uid supply main; a plurality of service pipe lines connected to said main; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said service pipes; a master' control unitincluding a'housing; a iluid pressure supply conduitconnecting said main to saidl housing; conduit means connectingeach/of said valves with said housing; varotatable m'ember within said housing having'supply and exhaust ports for .successively relieving and applying vpressure on said valves through said conduit means so that said valves open and close in succession and permit iiuid from said main to ilow through said service pipes; means for manually turning said rotatable member quickly in one direction; means for limiting the number of turns that may be given manually to said rotatable member; and mechanical means for y turning said rotatable member relatively slowly in the opposite direction to effect said successive opening and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member.

3. A uuid distribution 'system comprising, a main supply pipe; a plurality of service pipe lines connected with said supply pipe; a pressureoperated valve connected in each of said service lines; a master control unit for controlling the opening and closing of said valves; conduit means connecting each of said valves with said master control unit; a conduit connecting said supply pipe with said master control unit; rotatable ported means in said master control unit for controlling the ow through said conduit means; means for manually turning said rotatable ported means in one direction; and means for returning said rotatable ported means to its initial position.

4. A fluid distribution system comprising, a iluid supply main; a plurality of service pipe lines connected to said main; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said service pipes; a master control unit including a housing; a uid pressure supply conduit connecting said main to said housing; conduit means connecting each of said valves with said housing; a rotatable member within said housing having supply and exhaust ports for successively relieving and applying pressure on said valves through said conduit means so that said valves open and close in succession and permit fluid from said main to ow through said service pipes; means for manually turning said rotatable member in one direction; and mechanical means for turning said rotatable member relatively slowly in the opposite direction to effect said successive opening'and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member,

5. A sprinkler system comprising, a water sup- Dly main; a plurality of service pipe lines connected to said main; at least one sprinkler head connected in each of said service pipes; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said service pipes between said main and sprinkler heads; a master control unit including a. housing; Y

a duid pressure supply conduit connecting said main to said housing; conduit means connecting each of said valves with said housing; a rotatable member within said housing having supply and exhaust ports for successively relieving and applying pressure on said valves through said conduit means so that said valves open and close .in succession and permit uid from said main to fow through said service pipes; means for manually turning saidrotatable member in one direction; and mechanical means for turning said rotatable member relatively slowly inthe opposite direction to effect said successive opening and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member.

6. A sprinkler system comprising, a water supply main; a plurality of service pipe lines con. nected to said main; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said service pipes; a master control unit including a housing; a fluid pressure supply conduit connecting said main to said houslng; conduit means connecting each of said valves housing having supply and exhaust ports for successively relieving and applying pressure on said valves through said conduit means so that said valves open and close in succession and permit duid from said main to ilow through said service pipes; a timing mechanism for driving said rotatable member; and means for manually turning said rotatable member in one direction and simultaneously winding said timing mechanism, said timing mechanism driving said rotatable member slowly in the opposite direction to effect said successive opening and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member. A 7. A sprinkler system comprising, a water supply main; a plurality of `sprinkler pipe lines connected to said main; a. pressure-operated valve manually turning said rotatable member in one direction including a control knob; and' timing mechanism for driving said rotatable member slowly in the opposite direction to effect said successive opening and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member, said timing mechanism being Windable by the manual rotation of said control knob.

8. A sprinkler system comprising, a water supply main; a plurality of sprinkler pipe lines connected to said main; a pressure-operated valve connected in each of said sprinkler pipe` lines; a master control unit including a housing; a fluid pressure supply conduit connecting said main to said housing; conduit means connecting each of said valves with said housing; a rotatable member within said housing having supply and exhaust ports for successively relieving and applying pressure on said valves through said Aconduit means so that said valves open and close in succession and permit fluid from said main to ilow in succession to said sprinkler pipe lines; means for manually turning said rotatable member in one direction including a control knob; timing mechanism for driving said rotatable member slowly in the opposite direction to effect said successive opening and closing of said valves during the return travel of said rotatable member, said timing mechanism being windable by the manual rotation of said control knob; and means limiting the number of turns through which said control knob may be manually rotated.

9. A device for use in a iluid distribution system comprising, a housing; a head secured to one end of said housing; a pressure chamber in said housing; passageways in said head and housing for conducting pressure fluid to said pressure chamn with said housing; a rotatable member within said l5 ber; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber; a shaft for actuating said pilot valve disc; packing means for said shaft; and bleeder passages in said housing and head for draining any pressure fluid from the housing which leaks past said packing.

1G. A device for use in a iluid distribution system comprising, a housing having a pressure chamber formed therein, said housing having a passage for admitting duid under pressure into said pressure chamber; a pilot valve disc in said chamber; a valve seat disposed below said pilot vassocia ing passageways registering with the service passageways in said seat. c v 11. A master control unitfor use in a fluid distribution system having a plurality f pressure-operated diaphragm lvalves comprising, 'a

' housing having a pressure chamber formed therein; means for admitting pressure fluid into said pressure chamber; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber, said pilot valve disc having pressure ports land a supply groove for controlling the flow of pressure uid from said pressure chamber; a valve seat for said pilot valve disc having ports in registration with said supply groove in one operative position of said pilot valveA dise, whereby pressure fluid may flow through the passageways in said seat to a plurality of pressureoperated diaphragm valves, said valve seat having an axial passageway and said pilot valve disc having an exhaust passageway for successively establishing communication between said axial "passageway andusaid passageways in saidv'alve seat for exhausting pressure fluid from said diaphragm valves when saidpilot valve disc is slowly rotated; a clock mechanism driving said pilot valve disc for controlling the duration of the open period of said pressure operated diaphragm valves; and a control knob for winding said clock mechanism. v

12. A control unit. for aiiuid distribution system comprising, a housing; a headsecured to one end of said housing; a pressure chamber in said housing; passage means in said head and housing sageways in registration with said supply groove yin one operative position of said pilot valve disc, whereby pressure huid may-flow through the passageways in said seat to a plurality of pressureoperated diaphragm valves, said valve seat having an axial passageway and said pilot valve disc having an exhaust passageway for successively establishing communication between said axial passageway and said passageways in said valve seat for exhausting pressure fluid from said diaphragm'vaives; a clock mechanism in said housing having a shaft for driving said pilot valve disc; and a control knob connected to said shaft for simultaneously winding said clock mechanism and rotating said pilot valve disc to starting position. Y

l5. A control unit' comprising, a housing; a

l casing supported by said housing; saidv casing for conducting pressure iludto said pressure chamber; a ustrainer in said passage means; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber; a shaft for actuating said pilot valve disc; packing means for said shaft; and bleeder passages in said housing and head for draining any pressure fluid from the housing which leaks past said packing.

13.- A device for use in a iiuid distribution system comprising, a housing having a pressure chamber formed therein, said housing having' a. passage for admitting fluidunder pressure 'into said pressure chamber; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber; a seat for said :pilot valve disc in said chamber; a gasket disposed below .said seat; a closure member for said housing disposed below said gasket; said pilot valve disc.

containing a clock mechanism including a shaft projecting through the sides of said casing; a knob on one end of said shaft for winding said clock mechanism; a pressure chamber in said housing; a pilot valve disc in said4 chamber for controlling the distribution of uid from said chamber; a driving connection between said shaft and said pilot valve disc; a gear xed relatively to said drive shaft; and an idler gear rotatably supported by said casing and meshing with said first gear, said gears being arranged and constructed to limit the number of turns imparted to said drive shaft by said clock mechanism to correspond to the number of turns through which the knob has been manually rotated in winding said clock mechanism.

16. A drive device comprising, a casing; clock mechanism in said casing; a drive shaft projecting through the sides of said casing; a knob on one end of said shaft for manually winding the clock mechanism, said clock mechanism being arranged so that one winding revolution of said control knob will produce at least one revolution `of said drive shaft in the reverse direction; -a gear on the opposite end of said shaft; and an idler gear in mesh with said first gear, said gears having a pressure supply groove andan axial exhaust passageway,y said seat having a plurality of service passageways positioned to receiveA pressure iiuid from said pressure groove and having a passageway positioned to continuously register with said exhaust passageway; and' vsaid gasket and said closure member having passageways registering with the service passageways in said seat. v

14. A master control unit for use in aiiuid distribution system having a plurality of pressureoperated diaphragm valvesl comprising, a housing having a pressurecham'ber formed therein; means for admitting pressure fluid into said pressure chamber; a pilot valve discin said pressure n chamber, said pilot valve disc having-pressure ports and a supply groovefor controlling 'the ow being arranged and constructed to limit the number of driven turns of said drive shaft vto correspond to the number of turns through which the knob has been manually rotated said clock mechanism.

17. A control unit comprising, a housing; a casing supported by'said housing, saiil casing containing a clock mechanism including a shaft in winding projecting through the sides of said-casing; a

knob on one end of said shaft for winding said vclock mechanism; a pressure chamber in said housing; a pilot valve disc in said chamber for controlling the ow of pressure fluid from said v chamber; a driving connection between said shaft and said pilot valve disc; a gear fixed relativelyA to said shaft; and an idler gear meshing with said first gear, one of said gears having a greater number of teeth than the other, and one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than l the lremaining teeth o f said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its -teeth deep enough to receive al1 of Vthe teeth of said first gear and also having a space too shallow to completely receivel the long toothV of said first gear, whereby the number of turns through which said shaftandl pilot valve dise may be manually rotated'ls limi of pressure nuid from said pressure chamber; a l

valve seat for said pilot valve disc having pas- 18. A drive mechanism comprising,v a shaft; means` for manually rotatlng'said shaft in one direction; mechanical means for rotating said shaft in an opposite direction; a gear nxedly se.

cured on said shaft; and an idler gear meshing with said first-mentioned gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its' teeth deep enough to receive the teeth of said first gear and also having a plurality of spaces too shallow to completely receive the long tooth of said iirst gear.

19. A control device for controlling a plurality of hydraulically operated valves in a :duid distribution system comprising, a housing; a plate including a seat secured to said housing, said seat being provided with a central drain passageway and with a plurality of service passagewaysA with said drain passageway and another portion 1 arranged to successively register with said service passageways when said rotatable member is turned, said rotatable member also having a fluid supply passageway and a supply groove in continuous communication with said pressure chamber, said supply groove being arcuate and disposed in the side of said rotatable member adja- `cent to said seat, said groove being of suiilcient length to register with all of said service passageways when said rotatable member is in a' given' position; means for manually turning said rotatable member from said given position to another position; and drive mechanism for relatively including a seat secured to said housing, said seat being provided with a central drain passageway and with a plurality of service passageways circularly arranged about said drain passageway, said service passageways being adapted to` be placed in communication with the respective hydraulically operated valves; said housing having a pressure chamber formed therein inwardly oi' said seat and having a passage for admitting pressure fluid into said pressure chamber; a rotatable member in said pressure chamber engaging said seat, said rotatable member being provided with an exhaust passageway having a portion thereof arranged to continuously register with said drain passageway and another portion arranged to successively register with said service passageways .when said rotatable member is turned, said rotatable member also having a fluid supply passageway and a supply groove in continuous communication with said pressure chamber, said supply groove being arcuate and disposed in the side of said rotatable member adjacent to said seat, said groove being of sufficient length to register with all of said service passageways when said rotatable member is'in a given position; means for manually turning said rotatable member from said given position to another position including a shaft 'and a control knob on said shaft; and drive means in said housing for driving said shaft to return sai rotatable member to said given position.

22. A control device for controlling a plurality y of hydraulically operated valves in a iluid distribution system comprising, a housing; a plate' including a seat secured to said housing, said seat being provided with a central drain passageway and with a plural-ity of service passageways circularly arranged about said drain passageway,

. said service passageways being adapted to be slowly returning said rotatable memberv to said given position.

20. A control device for controlling a plurality of hydraulically operated valves in a duid distribution system comprising, a housing; a plate including a seat secured to said housing, said seat being provided with a central drain passageranged to successively register with said service passageways when said rotatable member is turned, said rotatable member also having a fluid supply passageway and a supply groove in continuous communication with said pressure chamber, said supply groove being arcuate and disposed in the side of said rotatable member adjacent to said seat, said groove being of sufficient length to register with all of said service passage- 'ways when said rotatable member is in a given position; and drive means for turning said rotatable member. V

21. A control device for controlling a. plurality of hydraulically operated valves in a uid distribution system comprising, a housing; a plate placed in communication with the respective hydraulically. operated valves; said housing having a pressure chamber formed therein inwardly of said seat and having a passage for admitting pressure uid into said pressure chamber; a rotatable memberl in said pressure chamber engaging said seat, said rotatable member being provided with an exhaust passageway having a portion thereof arranged to continuously register with said drain passageway and another portion arranged to successively register with said service passageways when said rotatable member is turned, said rotatable member also having av fluid supply passageway and a supplyfgrdove in continuous communication with said pressure chamber, said supply groove being arcuate and disposed in the side of said rotatable member adjacent to said seat. saidk groove being of sutilcient length to register with all of said service passageways when said rotatable member is in a given position; means for manually turning said rotatable member from said `given position to another position including a shaft and a control knob on said shaft; and drive means in said housing for driving said shaft to return said rotatable member to said given position.

23. A control device for controlling a plurality of hydraulically operated valves in a fluid distribution system comprising, a housing; a. plate including a valve seat secured to said housiri'g, said seat being provided with a central drain passageway and with a plurality of service passageways circularly arranged about said drain passageway. said service passageways being adapted to be placed in communication with the respective hydraulically operated valves; said housing having a pressure chamber formed therein inwardly of knob connected with said clock mechanism arsaid seat and having apassage for admitting ranged tosimultaneouslywind said clock mechapressure fluid into s aid pressure chamber: a ronism and to-turn said pilot disc in one direction, tatable pilot valve disc'in said pressure chamber said clock mechanisml effecting a return of said engaging said seat, said pilot valve disc being. 8 pilot disc to its initial position; and means for provided with an exhaust passageway having a limiting the number of turns that may be manuportion thereof arranged to continuously regisally given to said pilot disc through said knob. ter-with said drain passageway and `another porsaid means including a gear connected to rotate tion arranged to successively register with said with said pilot disc and an idler gear in mesh service passageways when said pilot valve disc is 10 with said gear, one or said gears having one tooth turned, said pilot valve disc also having a .fluid of greater lengththan the remaining teeth of supply passageway and asupply groove in consaid gear and the other of said gears having a tinuous communication with said pressure champlurality of spaces between its teeth deep enough be'r, said supply groove being arcuate and disto receive the teeth of said `iirst gear and also posed in the side of said pilot valve disc adjacent lo having a space too shallow to completely receive to said seat, said groove being of suillcient length the long tooth of said nrst gear. to-register with all of said service passageways 26.,A iluld distribution system comprising a when said rotatable member is in a given posiiluid supply main; a plurality of service pipelines tion; means for manually turning said pilot valve connected to said main; a pressure operated disc from said given position to another posivalve connected in each of said service pipesia tion including a shaft and a non-rigid connecmaster control unit including a housing; a fluid tion between said shaft and said pilot valve disc; pressure supply conduit connecting said main to and drive meansfor relatively slowly returning said housing; conduit means connecting each of said pilotvalve disc to ysaid given position. said valves with said housing; a rotatable ported 24. A control device for a iluid distribution syspilot disc within said housing having supply and tem comprising, a housing; a plate including a exhaust ports for successively relieving and ap- I s 53,360,321. v A

valve seat secured to said housing, said seat beplying pressure on said valves through said con- Ving providedwith a central drain passageway duit means, so that said valves openand close and with a plurality of service passageways cirin succession'and permit iiuid. from said main cularly arranged about said drain passageway: to-flow through said service pipes; means for said housing having a pressure chamber formed manually ,turning said ported pilot disc in one therein inwardly of saidseat and having a pasdirection through a plurality of turns: means for sage for admitting pressure fluid into said preslimiting the plurality of turns that may be given sure chamber; a rotatable pilot valve disc in said manually to said rotatable ported pilot disc; and pressure chamber engaging said seat, said pilot means for turning said rotatable ported pilot discvalve'disc being provided with an exhaust pasin the opposite direction to effect said successive sageway'having a portion thereof arranged to opening and closing cf said valves during the continuously register with said drain passageway return travel of said rotatable 'ported pilot disc. and another portion arranged to successively reg- 2'1. A device for use in la iluid ldistribution ister with said service passageways when said 40 system comprising,'a housing having a pressure pilot valve disc is turned, said pilot valve disc' also chamber formed therein, said housing having a having a. iluid supply passageway and a supply passage for admitting fluid under pressure into groove in continuous communication with said said pressure chamber; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber, said lsupply groove being arcu chamber; a valve seat disposed below said pilot ate and disposed in the side of said pilot valve 4s valve disc; and a. head member for said housing disc adjacent to said seat, saidgroove being of j disposed .below said seat; said pilot valve disc sufficient length to register with all `oi! said serhaving a pressure supply groove and an exhaust vice passageways when said rotatable member is passageway, said seat having a plurality of servin a given position; a head member secured to v ice passageways positioned to receive pressure Said housing below said valve seat, said head 60 iluid from said pressure groove and having a member having service passageways communipassageway positioned to continuously register eating with the respective Service passageways in ,with said exhaust passageway, 'and said head said -valve seat; a plurality of tubes, each, tube member having passageways-registering with the having one end connxyted with a service pasexhaust passageway and the service passageways sageway in said headv member andhaving its op- 55 in said seat. positeend adapted to be connected with a pres- 28. A master control unit for use in a fluid sure-operated diaphragm valve; andmeans for distribution systemhaving a plurality of pressure turning said pilot valve disc to regulate the ow operated valves comprising, a housing having a of iluid through said tubes and hence the open-V pressure chamber formed therein; means for ing and closing of said diaphragm valves. admitting pressure iluid into said pressure cham- 25. A sprinkler system comprising, a main supber; a pilot valve disc in" said pressure chamber, ply pipe; a plurality oi' -service pipe lines consaid pilot valve disc having s. plurality of pres- 'nected with said supply pipe; at least oney sure ports for controlling the rlow of pressure sprinklerhead connected in each of said service rluid from said pressure chamber; a valve seat lines; pressure Operated Valve 0nl1ected in @Dich 65 for said pilot valve disc having passageways in or said service lines between said mitin Supply '-iregistration with said pressure ports in one operrPipe-and sprinkler head; a master control unit ative position of said pilot valve disc, whereby. for controllingy the opening and closing oi` said pressure nuid may ilow through the passageways valves; conduit means connecting each of said in said seat to a plurality of pressure-operated valves withsaid master controiunit; a conduit 70 valves, said valve seat having an axial passageconnecting said supply pipe with said master con- -way and said pilot valve disc having an exhaust trol unit; a rotatable pilot disc in said .master passageway fori successively establishing 'comrcontrolainitefforecontrolling the flow through said munication between said axial passageway and conduit means: a clccknechanism in said massaid passageways in said valve seat for exhaustter control unit for rotatins said pilot disc: a 'l5 ing pressure iiuid `from said valves when said,

anism driving said pilot valve disc for controlling the duration of the open period of said pressure operated valves; and a control knob for winding said clock mechanism.

29. A master control unit for use in a fluid distribution system having a plurality of pressure operated valves comprising; a housing having a pressure chamber formed therein; means for admitting pressure fluid into said pressue chamber; a pilot valve disc in said pressure chamber, said pilot valve disc having a plurality of pressure ports for controlling the iiow of pressure fluid from said pressure chamber; a valve lseat for said pilot valve disc having passageways in registra- .tion with said pressure ports in one operative position of said pilot valve disc, whereby pressure uid may flow through the'passageways in said seat to a plurality of pressure operated valves, said valve seat having an axial passageway and said pilot valve disc having an exhaust passageway for successively establishing communication between said axial passageway and said passageways in said valve seat for exhausting pressure iluid from said valves; a clock mechanism in said housing having a shaft for driving said pilot valve disc; and a control knob connected to said shaft for simultaneously Winding said clock mechanism and rotating said pilot valve disc to starting position. f

30. A fluid distribution system comprising, a main supply pipe; a plurality of service pipe lines connected with said supply pipe; a hydraulically operated valve connected in each of said serw'ce lines; a master control unit for controlling the opening and closing of said hydraulically operated valves; conduit means for operating fluid connecting each of said hydraulically operated valves with said mastercontrol unit; a conduit connecting said supply pipe with saidmaster control unit; a rotatable ported member for controlling the ilow of operating fluid through said conduit means; a clock mechanism for rotating said ported member; means connected with said clock mechanism arranged to simultaneously wind said clock mechanism vand to turn said rotatable ported member -in one direction, said clock mechanism effecting a return of said rotatable ported member to its initial position; and means for limiting the number of winding turns that may be given to said rotatable ported member, said means including a gear connected to rotate with said rotatable ported member and an idler gear in mesh with said geary one of said gears having o ne tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its teeth deep enough to receive the teeth of said first gear and also having a plurality of spaces too shallow to completely receive the 1ong tooth of said ilrst gear.

31. A drive mechanism comprising, a shaft; means for rotating said shaft in one direction; means for rotating said shaft in an opposite direction; a gear fixedly secured to said shaft; and an idler -gear meshing .with said first-mentioned gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its teeth deep, enough to receive the teeth of said nrst gear and also having a plurality of spaces too shallow to completely receive the long tooth of saidiirst gear, one of said gears also having more teeth than the other of said gears. 1

32. A drive mechanism comprising, a shaft; means for rotating said shaft in one direction; means for rotating said shaft in an opposite direction; a gear fixedly secured to said shaft; and an idler gear meshing with said mst-mentioned gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its teeth deepv enough t0 receive the teeth of said first gear and also having a plurality of adjoining spaces too shallow to completely receive the long tooth of said rst gear, one of said gears also having more teeth than the other of said gears.

33. A drive mechanism comprising, a shaft; means for rotating said shaft in one direction;

.means for rotating said shaft in an opposite direction; a gear fixedly secured to said shaft;

and an idler gear meshing with said first-mentioned gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its teeth deep enough to receive the teeth of said first gear and also having a plurality of spaces too shallow to completely receive the long tooth of said rst gear, one of said gears also having more teeth than the vother of said gears, said shallow spaces being circumferentially separated in either peripheral direction by at least one relatively deeper space.

34. A drive mechanism comprising, a shaft; means for rotating said shaft in one direction; means for rotating said shaft in an opposite direction; a gear fixedly secured to said shaft; and an idler gear meshing with said first-mentioned gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth oi said gear and the other of said gears having a plurality of spaces between its teeth deep enough to receive the teeth of said first gear and also having a plurality of spaces too shallow to completely receive the long tooth of said rst gear, said gear having said long tooth having a total of six teeth and the other of said gears having a total of seven teeth.

35..A fluid distribution system comprising, a. main supply pipe;'a plurality of service pipe lines connected with said supply pipe; a remotely controlled valve connected in each of said service lines; a master control unit for controlling the means including a gear connected to rotate with said rotatable member and an idler gear in mesh with said gear, one of said gears having one tooth of greater length than the remaining teeth of said gear and the other of said gears having a. plurality of spaces between its teeth. deep enough vto receive the teeth of said iirst gear and also having a space too shallow to completely receive Y the long tooth of said ilrst gear.

DONALDG. GRISWOLD.` 

